Hypertrophic phenotypic cardiomyopathy in an ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype (HCM) is the most common cardiac disease in domestic cats but is rarely described in wild species. This phenotype is characterized by concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle and may be of familial inheritance or secondary to other diseases such as hyperthyroidism, chronic kidney disease, systemic arterial hypertension, and hyperaldosteronism. HCM can cause diastolic and systolic dysfunction and may cause congestive heart failure in affected animals. The present work aims to describe the first report of cardiomyopathy of the hypertrophic phenotype in a specimen of Leopardus pardalis, kept under human care. Case: A 11-year-old female ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) kept under human care, during a preventive care visit, had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype detected by cardiological evaluation with echocardiogram and a murmur grade III/ VI could be detected on cardiac auscultation. This preventive care occurred under chemical restraint with ketamine [6 mg/kg, i.m] associates with midazolam [0.5 mg/kg, i.m] and other evaluations have been done like complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total proteins, albumin, albumin:globulin ratio, creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and globulin) and tyroid hormones [free tyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)]. Medical management based on clopidogrel, and atenolol was administered for 3 months until the patient showed manifestations of congestive heart failure (CHF) 80 days later the initial evaluation. In this moment the patient presented with dyspnea, so a cardiological and laboratory evaluation was requested. On pulmonary auscultation crackling was identified, suggesting pulmonary edema and, on echocardiographic examination, some parameters had worsened. The CBC and biochemistry were all within reference ranges. Then, the beta-blocker was discontinued and replaced by pimobendan combined with furosemide as treatment of CHF, and the condition stabilized. After one year, the patient was re-evaluated and showed a slight improvement in the condition but still remained stable. Also, feline proBNP levels was tested (SNAP Feline proBNP® IDEXX) in this moment and it was increased. Discussion: The findings on echocardiography associated with the subjective evaluation associated with progressive worsening and clinical manifestation of CHF, as well as the response to treatment, even though there are no reference values for the species, reinforce the diagnosis. There is no evidence to suggest diseases that may contribute to secondary left ventricular hypertrophy. It is believed that pimobendan plays a key role in maintaining hemodynamic balance, since this has already been observed in other mammalian species. The use of beta blockers is commonly employed in domestic cats with HCM, and they have been prescribed in an attempt to promote greater ventricular relaxation, decrease left ventricular outflow obstruction, thus improving ventricular filling for maintenance of cardiac output. In view of the atrial enlargement and possible risk of thrombus formation, clopidogrel was prescribed, extrapolating what is known from domestic cats. It is reasonable to conclude that in this case, the cardiomyopathy behaved similarly to what is observed in domestic cats, both in its clinical evolution and in the means of diagnosis, and in its response to the therapy instituted.

Prevalence, clinical and epidemiological features of feline hyperthyroidism at a veterinary teaching hospital in Brazil: a retrospective study / Prevalência, características clínicas e epidemiológicas do hipertireoidismo felino em um hospital veterinário universitário no Brasil: um estudo retrospectivo

The hyperthyroidism is the most frequently endocrinopathy in cats. The increasing number of diagnoses over time is due to the greater familiarity with the disease and the development of increasingly sensitive diagnostic tools available. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the prevalence, clinical characteristics and risk factors of hyperthyroidism in cats admitted at one of the largest veterinary teaching hospital in Brazil. Between 2002 and 2007, 234 cats were admitted to the veterinary teaching hospital of the University of São Paulo, Brazil. Total thyroxine (T4t) serum concentration was measured from all cats. Also analyzed the medical charts of cats. Of the 234 cats, 26 (11.1%) were considered hyperthyroid (T4t ≥3.8 µg/dL). Of hese 26 cats, only two (7.7%) were initially diagnosed as hyperthyroid. The age of cats ranged from 6 to 27 years old (13.1 ± 4.5 years). Twelve patients (46.2%) were female and 14 (53.8%) were male. Eight (30.8%) cats were Siamese, while the others were mixed breed (69.2%). Dry food was the most common food type consumed by cats. There was a high prevalence of hyperthyroid cats with concomitant chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study sheds light on the importance of routinely monitoring feline hyperthyroidism and brings epidemiological and clinical data of this endocrinopathy in cats from one of the largest veterinary teaching hospitals in the country.(AU)

O hipertireoidismo é a endocrinopatia mais frequente em gatos. O aumento do número de diagnósticos ao longo do tempo deve-se à maior familiaridade com a doença e ao desenvolvimento de ferramentas diagnósticas cada vez mais sensíveis. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar retrospectivamente a prevalência, características clínicas e fatores de risco do de hiperti-reoidismo em gatos atendidos em um dos maiores hospitais veterinários universitários do Brasil. Entre 2002 e 2007, 234 gatos foram admitidos no hospital veterinário universitário da Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil. A concentração sérica total de tiroxina (T4t) foi mensurada em todos os gatos. Também foram analisados os prontuários médicos dos gatos. Dos 234 gatos, 26 (11,1%) foram considerados hipertireoideos (T4t ≥3,8 µg/dL). Desses 26 gatos, apenas dois (7,7%) foram diagnosticados inicialmente com hipertireoidismo. A idade dos gatos variou de 6 a 27 anos (13,1 ± 4,5 anos). Doze pacientes (46,2%) eram do sexo feminino e 14 (53,8%) do sexo masculino. Oito (30,8%) eram siameses, enquanto os demais eram mestiços (69,2%). A ração seca foi o tipo de alimento mais consumido. Houve alta prevalência de gatos hipertireoideos com doença renal crônica (DRC) concomitante. Este estudo esclarece a importância do monitoramento rotineiro do hipertireoidismo felino e traz dados epidemiológicos e clínicos desta endocrinopatia em gatos de um dos maiores hospitais veterinários do País.(AU)

Hipertireoidismo secundário à carcinoma de tireoide em um cão: relato de caso / Hyperthyroidism secondary to thyroid carcinoma in a dog: case report

Hipertireoidismo é uma doença causada pela disfunção do eixo hipotálamo-hipófise-tireoide, na qual há um aumento na produção e secreção de T3 (triiodotironina) e T4 (tiroxina). É comum em gatos de meia idade a idosos, mas raro em cães, nos quais normalmente são causados por iatrogenia ou neoplasias da tireoide. O presente trabalho relata um caso de hipertireoidismo em um cão da raça golden retriever, secundário a um carcinoma folicular-compacto de tireoide. A enfermidade causa alterações em diversos sistemas, portanto é importante que o diagnóstico precoce seja firmado para o sucesso do tratamento e a avaliação do tamanho, da invasividade tumoral, da presença de metástases, bem como, das condições clínicas do paciente que são essenciais para a escolha da terapêutica.(AU)

Hyperthyroidism is a disease caused by the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis dysfunction, in which there is an increased production and secretion of T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). It is common in middle aged to old cats but is rare in dogs, in which are usually a result of iatrogenic cause or thyroid neoplasia. The present paper reports a case of hyperthyroidism in a golden retriever dog secondary to a thyroid follicular-compact carcinoma. The disease causes changes in several systems, so to achieve the treatment's success it must be performed an early diagnoses. The analyzis of the tumor size and invasion, presence of metastasis and the patient's clinical conditions are essential to the settlement of the therapeutic choice.(AU)

Hipertensão arterial sistêmica em gatos / Systemic arterial hypertension in cats

A hipertensão arterial sistólica é frequentemente reconhecida na prática clínica da medicina interna felina, sendo um problema comum em gatos mais velhos. Esta enfermidade é, costumeiramente, secundária a outras doenças, tais como, doença renal crônica e hipertireoidismo. No entanto, em alguns pacientes a causa subjacente não é identificada, portanto denominada de hipertensão idiopática. Elevações na pressão arterial, de forma sustentada ou não, podem levar a danos em diversos órgãos como, cérebro, olhos, coração e rins. Essas injúrias são denominadas de lesão de órgãos-alvo. Pressão arterial sistêmica acima de 160mmHg possue risco moderado a grave de dano aos órgãos-alvo. Desta maneira, o tratamento procura idealmente atingir riscos de dano mínimos. Alguns fármacos podem ser utilizados como terapia anti-hipertensiva, dentre elas, a amlodipina, um bloqueador de canal de cálcio, que é o medicamento de primeira escolha para tratamento em gatos. Além disso, é de extrema importância o diagnóstico de doenças que possam gerar o quadro hipertensivo ou estar em associação para que desta forma seja possível um controle adequado da pressão arterial. O diagnóstico precoce da doença é fundamental pois auxilia reduzir as chances de lesão nos órgãos-alvo, e consequentemente, reduz a mortalidade e melhora a qualidade de vida dos pacientes.

Systolic arterial hypertension is often recognized in the clinical practice of feline internal medicine and is a common problem in older cats. This disease is usually secondary to other diseases, such as chronic kidney disease and hyperthyroidism. However, in some patients the underlying cause is not identified, therefore called idiopathic hypertension. Elevations in blood pressure, whether sustained or not, can cause damage to various organs such as the brain, eyes, heart and kidneys. These injuries are called target organ damage. Systemic blood pressure above 160mmHg has a moderate to severe risk of damage to target organs. In this way, the treatment ideally seeks to achieve risks of cognitive damage. Pharmacological substances can be used as antihypertensive therapy, among them, an amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, which is the drug of choice for treatment in cats. In addition, it is extremely important to diagnose diseases that cause hypertension or to be associated with it, so that this form of blood pressure is adequate. Early diagnosis of the disease is essential because it helps to reduce the chances of target organ damage, and consequently, reduce mortality and improve patients' quality of life.

Diabetes insipidus central em felino jovem / Central diabetes insipidus in a young feline

Background: Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) is an endocrine disorder caused by the failure to produce, transport, orrelease ADH. This disease may show a primary etiology (idiopathic or congenital) or a secondary one (trauma or neoplasms). It is characterized by signs such as polyuria and polydipsia. The definitive diagnosis is obtained by the two-stepwater deprivation test; the absence of adequate urinary concentration in the first stage confirms the diagnosis of diabetesinsipidus and, in the second stage, the response to the application of synthetic desmopressin confirms a central origin.Because CDI is rare in felines, the aim of this study was to report the occurrence of a case of CDI, probably of congenitalprimary origin, in an 8-month-old kitten.Case: An 8-month-old male feline, castrated, 3.2 kg, was brought to consultation with a report of polydipsia, polyuria,smaller size and weight, and lower activity when compared to his brother, for several months. On physical examination,lethargy, body score 2/5, and mild dehydration were noted, as well as deciduous teeth that should have already been replaced. Abdominal ultrasound and laboratory tests were requested, which ruled out chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetesmellitus (DM), hyperadrenocorticism (HAC), and hyperthyroidism. Due to the fact that urinalysis evidenced hyposthenuria(urinary density [UD] 1.004), CDI was suspected. The patient underwent a water deprivation test and, after 7.5 h, lost4.7% of his initial weight, while UD was 1.012, confirming the diagnosis of DI. The investigation then proceeded to theevaluation of the response to synthetic desmopressin by the application of 5 U IM. Two h later, UD was 1.019, confirming...

Diabetes insipidus central em felino jovem / Central diabetes insipidus in a young feline

Background: Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) is an endocrine disorder caused by the failure to produce, transport, orrelease ADH. This disease may show a primary etiology (idiopathic or congenital) or a secondary one (trauma or neoplasms). It is characterized by signs such as polyuria and polydipsia. The definitive diagnosis is obtained by the two-stepwater deprivation test; the absence of adequate urinary concentration in the first stage confirms the diagnosis of diabetesinsipidus and, in the second stage, the response to the application of synthetic desmopressin confirms a central origin.Because CDI is rare in felines, the aim of this study was to report the occurrence of a case of CDI, probably of congenitalprimary origin, in an 8-month-old kitten.Case: An 8-month-old male feline, castrated, 3.2 kg, was brought to consultation with a report of polydipsia, polyuria,smaller size and weight, and lower activity when compared to his brother, for several months. On physical examination,lethargy, body score 2/5, and mild dehydration were noted, as well as deciduous teeth that should have already been replaced. Abdominal ultrasound and laboratory tests were requested, which ruled out chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetesmellitus (DM), hyperadrenocorticism (HAC), and hyperthyroidism. Due to the fact that urinalysis evidenced hyposthenuria(urinary density [UD] 1.004), CDI was suspected. The patient underwent a water deprivation test and, after 7.5 h, lost4.7% of his initial weight, while UD was 1.012, confirming the diagnosis of DI. The investigation then proceeded to theevaluation of the response to synthetic desmopressin by the application of 5 U IM. Two h later, UD was 1.019, confirming...(AU)

Sobrevida e características ecocardiográficas de gatos com e sem cardiomiopatias / Survival and echocardiographic characteristics of cats with and without cardiomyopathies

Cardiopatias felinas apresentam importante relevância na rotina veterinária, todavia os seus aspectos epidemiológicos em gatos não são conhecidos regionalmente. O objetivo do estudo foi descrever a frequência das cardiopatias na região Norte e Vale do Itajaí no estado de Santa Catarina e determinar a sobrevida de pacientes cardiopatas e não cardiopatas. O estudo contou com a análise retrospectiva de 74 laudos ecocardiográficos e prontuários médicos de gatos oriundos de estabelecimentos veterinários da região, de janeiro de 2017 a dezembro de 2019. Tutores ou veterinários responsáveis foram contatados para averiguar a sobrevida dos animais. Os animais do estudo em sua maioria eram machos (n=40/74) e sem raça definida (n=47/74). Cardiomiopatia foi o diagnóstico mais comum (n=21/74), com destaque para o fenótipo hipertrófica (n=13/21). As cardiomiopatias foram diagnosticadas mais comumente em gatos acima de oito anos de idade. Os principais sinais clínicos nos gatos sintomáticos (n=41/74) foram sopro (n=15/41) e dispneia (n=6/41). Os principais achados ecocardiográficos foram hipertrofia concêntrica da parede livre do ventrículo esquerdo (n=18/41) e dilatação do átrio esquerdo (n=12/41). A mediana de sobrevida dos 74 gatos foi de 303±209.8 dias, estando altamente relacionado com a classe do estadiamento clínico (P=0,006). Gatos com fenótipo dilatada tiveram menor média de sobrevid

Feline cardiopathies are relevant on veterinary practice although lack of regional epidemiogical description. The purpose of this study is to determine cardiopathy prevalence and survival of cardiac and non-cardiac patients on Santa Catarinas northern and Itajai valley regions. The retrospective study included 74 echocardiographic exams and medical records from January 2017 to December 2019. Veterinarians and owners were contacted to check survival on cardiac and non-cardiac patients. The animals were most male (n=40/74) and mongrel (n=47/74). Cardiomyopathies were the most common diagnosis (n=21/74), specially the hypertrophic phenotype (n=13/21). The cardiomyopathy diagnosis was evidenced in cats above eight years old. The most usual clinical findings on symptomatic patients (n=41/74) were cardiac murmur (n=15/41) and dyspnea (n=6/41). Left ventricular free wall concentric hypertrophy (n=18/41) and left atrium dilation (n=12/41) were the main echocardiographic findings. Median survival from 74 cats was 303±209,8 days and related to clinical staging (p=0,006). Cats with dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype presented lower mean survival (180,5 days). Concomitant diseases included chronic renal disease (n=7/15), systemic arterial hypertension (n=5/15) and/or hyperthyroidism (n=3/15). In conclusion, cats with cardiomyopathies, symptomatic and with more advanced stages of cardiac remodeling, have shown to live less than those in early stage of heart disease. As well as patients with associated concomitant diseases, they had a lower life expectancy.(AU)

Sobrevida e características ecocardiográficas de gatos com e sem cardiomiopatias / Survival and echocardiographic characteristics of cats with and without cardiomyopathies

Cardiopatias felinas apresentam importante relevância na rotina veterinária, todavia os seus aspectos epidemiológicos em gatos não são conhecidos regionalmente. O objetivo do estudo foi descrever a frequência das cardiopatias na região Norte e Vale do Itajaí no estado de Santa Catarina e determinar a sobrevida de pacientes cardiopatas e não cardiopatas. O estudo contou com a análise retrospectiva de 74 laudos ecocardiográficos e prontuários médicos de gatos oriundos de estabelecimentos veterinários da região, de janeiro de 2017 a dezembro de 2019. Tutores ou veterinários responsáveis foram contatados para averiguar a sobrevida dos animais. Os animais do estudo em sua maioria eram machos (n=40/74) e sem raça definida (n=47/74). Cardiomiopatia foi o diagnóstico mais comum (n=21/74), com destaque para o fenótipo hipertrófica (n=13/21). As cardiomiopatias foram diagnosticadas mais comumente em gatos acima de oito anos de idade. Os principais sinais clínicos nos gatos sintomáticos (n=41/74) foram sopro (n=15/41) e dispneia (n=6/41). Os principais achados ecocardiográficos foram hipertrofia concêntrica da parede livre do ventrículo esquerdo (n=18/41) e dilatação do átrio esquerdo (n=12/41). A mediana de sobrevida dos 74 gatos foi de 303±209.8 dias, estando altamente relacionado com a classe do estadiamento clínico (P=0,006). Gatos com fenótipo dilatada tiveram menor média de sobrevid

Feline cardiopathies are relevant on veterinary practice although lack of regional epidemiogical description. The purpose of this study is to determine cardiopathy prevalence and survival of cardiac and non-cardiac patients on Santa Catarina’s northern and Itajai valley regions. The retrospective study included 74 echocardiographic exams and medical records from January 2017 to December 2019. Veterinarians and owners were contacted to check survival on cardiac and non-cardiac patients. The animals were most male (n=40/74) and mongrel (n=47/74). Cardiomyopathies were the most common diagnosis (n=21/74), specially the hypertrophic phenotype (n=13/21). The cardiomyopathy diagnosis was evidenced in cats above eight years old. The most usual clinical findings on symptomatic patients (n=41/74) were cardiac murmur (n=15/41) and dyspnea (n=6/41). Left ventricular free wall concentric hypertrophy (n=18/41) and left atrium dilation (n=12/41) were the main echocardiographic findings. Median survival from 74 cats was 303±209,8 days and related to clinical staging (p=0,006). Cats with dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype presented lower mean survival (180,5 days). Concomitant diseases included chronic renal disease (n=7/15), systemic arterial hypertension (n=5/15) and/or hyperthyroidism (n=3/15). In conclusion, cats with cardiomyopathies, symptomatic and with more advanced stages of cardiac remodeling, have shown to live less than those in early stage of heart disease. As well as patients with associated concomitant diseases, they had a lower life expectancy.

Sobrevida e características ecocardiográficas de gatos com e sem cardiomiopatias / Survival and echocardiographic characteristics of cats with and without cardiomyopathies

Cardiopatias felinas apresentam importante relevância na rotina veterinária, todavia os seus aspectos epidemiológicos em gatos não são conhecidos regionalmente. O objetivo do estudo foi descrever a frequência das cardiopatias na região Norte e Vale do Itajaí no estado de Santa Catarina e determinar a sobrevida de pacientes cardiopatas e não cardiopatas. O estudo contou com a análise retrospectiva de 74 laudos ecocardiográficos e prontuários médicos de gatos oriundos de estabelecimentos veterinários da região, de janeiro de 2017 a dezembro de 2019. Tutores ou veterinários responsáveis foram contatados para averiguar a sobrevida dos animais. Os animais do estudo em sua maioria eram machos (n=40/74) e sem raça definida (n=47/74). Cardiomiopatia foi o diagnóstico mais comum (n=21/74), com destaque para o fenótipo hipertrófica (n=13/21). As cardiomiopatias foram diagnosticadas mais comumente em gatos acima de oito anos de idade. Os principais sinais clínicos nos gatos sintomáticos (n=41/74) foram sopro (n=15/41) e dispneia (n=6/41). Os principais achados ecocardiográficos foram hipertrofia concêntrica da parede livre do ventrículo esquerdo (n=18/41) e dilatação do átrio esquerdo (n=12/41). A mediana de sobrevida dos 74 gatos foi de 303±209.8 dias, estando altamente relacionado com a classe do estadiamento clínico (P=0,006). Gatos com fenótipo dilatada tiveram menor média de sobrevida (180.5 dias). As doenças concomitantes mais observadas foram doença renal crônica (n=7/15), hipertensão (n=5/15) e/ou hipertireoidismo (n=3/15). Gatos com cardiomiopatias, sintomáticos e com estágios mais avançados de remodelamento cardíaco, demostraram viver menos se comparados com aqueles em estágio inicial da cardiopatia. Bem como pacientes com doenças de base associada apresentaram menor expectativa de vida.

Feline cardiopathies are relevant on veterinary practice although lack of regional epidemiogical description. The purpose of this study is to determine cardiopathy prevalence and survival of cardiac and non-cardiac patients on Santa Catarina's northern and Itajai valley regions. The retrospective study included 74 echocardiographic exams and medical records from January 2017 to December 2019. Veterinarians and owners were contacted to check survival on cardiac and non-cardiac patients. The animals were most male (n=40/74) and mongrel (n=47/74). Cardiomyopathies were the most common diagnosis (n=21/74), specially the hypertrophic phenotype (n=13/21). The cardiomyopathy diagnosis was evidenced in cats above eight years old. The most usual clinical findings on symptomatic patients (n=41/74) were cardiac murmur (n=15/41) and dyspnea (n=6/41). Left ventricular free wall concentric hypertrophy (n=18/41) and left atrium dilation (n=12/41) were the main echocardiographic findings. Median survival from 74 cats was 303±209,8 days and related to clinical staging (p=0,006). Cats with dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype presented lower mean survival (180,5 days). Concomitant diseases included chronic renal disease (n=7/15), systemic arterial hypertension (n=5/15) and/or hyperthyroidism (n=3/15). In conclusion, cats with cardiomyopathies, symptomatic and with more advanced stages of cardiac remodeling, have shown to live less than those in early stage of heart disease. As well as patients with associated concomitant diseases, they had a lower life expectancy.

Excesso de tiroxina materna associado ao hipertireoidismo pós-natal reduz o crescimento ósseo e o perfil proliferativo e angiogênico das cartilagens de crescimento de ratos / Excess maternal thyroxine associated with postnatal hyperthyroidism reduces bone growth and proliferative and angiogenic profile of rats growth cartilage

Foram estudados os efeitos do excesso da tiroxina materna associado ao hipertireoidismo pós-natal sobre o crescimento ósseo e o perfil proliferativo e angiogênico das cartilagens. Dezesseis ratas Wistar adultas foram distribuídas nos grupos tratados com L-tiroxina e controle. A prole do grupo tratado recebeu L-tiroxina do desmame até 40 dias de idade. Ao desmame, foi realizada dosagem plasmática de T4 livre nas mães. Na prole, foram realizados: dosagem plasmática de T3 total e T4 livre, morfometria das tireoides, mensuração do comprimento e largura do fêmur. Nas cartilagens, foi avaliada a expressão imuno-histoquímica e gênica de CDC-47, VEGF, Flk-1, Ang1, Ang2 e Tie2. As médias entre grupos foram comparadas pelo teste T de Student. As concentrações de T4 livre das mães tratadas e de T3 total e T4 livre da prole foram significativamente mais elevadas. A largura do fêmur foi menor nos animais tratados. Houve também redução da imunoexpressão de CDC-47 e de VEGF e dos transcritos gênicos para VEGF e Ang1 nas cartilagens. Conclui-se que o excesso de tiroxina materna associado ao hipertireoidismo pós-natal reduz a largura da diáfise femoral, a proliferação celular e a expressão de VEGF e de Ang1 nas cartilagens de crescimento de ratos.(AU)

The effects of excess of maternal thyroxine associated with postnatal hyperthyroidism at bone growth and proliferative and angiogenic profile of cartilage were studied. Sixteen adult Wistar rats were divided into treated and control groups. The offspring of the treated group received L-thyroxine from weaning to 40 days-old. At weaning, plasma assay of free T4 was measurement on female rats. In the offspring, the following assessments were performed: measurement of total T3 and free T4, histomorphometry analysis of the thyroid, measurement of body weight and length and width of the femur. In femoral growth cartilage, immunostaining of CDC-47, gene or protein expression of VEGF, Flk-1, Ang1, Ang2 and Tie2 were evaluated. Data were analyzed using Student's t-test. Free T4 was significantly higher in treated rats and total T3 and free T4 were significantly higher in offspring. The width of the femur was significantly lower in treated animals. There was lower immunoreactivity of CDC-47, VEGF and lower expression of gene transcripts for VEGF and Ang1. We concluded that the excess maternal thyroxine associated with postnatal hyperthyroidism reduces the width of the femoral shaft, the cell proliferation and gene and protein expression of VEGF and gene expression of Ang1 on the growth cartilage in rats.(AU)

Excesso de tiroxina materna associado ao hipertireoidismo pós-natal reduz o crescimento ósseo e o perfil proliferativo e angiogênico das cartilagens de crescimento de ratos / Excess maternal thyroxine associated with postnatal hyperthyroidism reduces bone growth and proliferative and angiogenic profile of rats growth cartilage

Foram estudados os efeitos do excesso da tiroxina materna associado ao hipertireoidismo pós-natal sobre o crescimento ósseo e o perfil proliferativo e angiogênico das cartilagens. Dezesseis ratas Wistar adultas foram distribuídas nos grupos tratados com L-tiroxina e controle. A prole do grupo tratado recebeu L-tiroxina do desmame até 40 dias de idade. Ao desmame, foi realizada dosagem plasmática de T4 livre nas mães. Na prole, foram realizados: dosagem plasmática de T3 total e T4 livre, morfometria das tireoides, mensuração do comprimento e largura do fêmur. Nas cartilagens, foi avaliada a expressão imuno-histoquímica e gênica de CDC-47, VEGF, Flk-1, Ang1, Ang2 e Tie2. As médias entre grupos foram comparadas pelo teste T de Student. As concentrações de T4 livre das mães tratadas e de T3 total e T4 livre da prole foram significativamente mais elevadas. A largura do fêmur foi menor nos animais tratados. Houve também redução da imunoexpressão de CDC-47 e de VEGF e dos transcritos gênicos para VEGF e Ang1 nas cartilagens. Conclui-se que o excesso de tiroxina materna associado ao hipertireoidismo pós-natal reduz a largura da diáfise femoral, a proliferação celular e a expressão de VEGF e de Ang1 nas cartilagens de crescimento de ratos.(AU)

The effects of excess of maternal thyroxine associated with postnatal hyperthyroidism at bone growth and proliferative and angiogenic profile of cartilage were studied. Sixteen adult Wistar rats were divided into treated and control groups. The offspring of the treated group received L-thyroxine from weaning to 40 days-old. At weaning, plasma assay of free T4 was measurement on female rats. In the offspring, the following assessments were performed: measurement of total T3 and free T4, histomorphometry analysis of the thyroid, measurement of body weight and length and width of the femur. In femoral growth cartilage, immunostaining of CDC-47, gene or protein expression of VEGF, Flk-1, Ang1, Ang2 and Tie2 were evaluated. Data were analyzed using Student's t-test. Free T4 was significantly higher in treated rats and total T3 and free T4 were significantly higher in offspring. The width of the femur was significantly lower in treated animals. There was lower immunoreactivity of CDC-47, VEGF and lower expression of gene transcripts for VEGF and Ang1. We concluded that the excess maternal thyroxine associated with postnatal hyperthyroidism reduces the width of the femoral shaft, the cell proliferation and gene and protein expression of VEGF and gene expression of Ang1 on the growth cartilage in rats.(AU)

Frequency of endocrinopathies and characteristics of affected dogs and cats in Southern Brazil (2004-2014)

Background: The increase in the life expectancy of dogs and cats in recent decades has heightened the incidence of aging-associated diseases. Among such diseases, endocrinopathies, such as obesity, stand out. In addition, there exists a lack of professionals with expertise in this area. Therefore, proper knowledge of the characteristics of patients affected by endocrinopathies as well as the frequency of these diseases aid in the recognition of endocrine syndromes in the general population. Thus, the aim of this study was to conduct a retrospective analysis of medical charts of dogs and cats compiled by a Division of Endocrinology in southern Brazil during a 10-year period. Materials, Methods & Results: An epidemiological survey of the medical charts of 1,400 dogs and cats compiled by a Division of Endocrinology between 2004 and 2014 was performed. The diagnostic data based on laboratory and hormone tests and on ultrasound scans were used as gold standard. The data were tabulated using Excel for Windows for the stratified analysis of the diagnoses. The major diseases (93.4% of the cases) detected in dogs were hyperadrenocorticism (37%), diabetes mellitus (22%), hypothyroidism (11%), and overweight/obesity (8%), whereas the main diseases (6.6% of the cases) detected in cats were diabetes mellitus (42%) and hyperthyroidism (23%). Some rare and uncommon diseases were diagnosed [...](AU)

Frequency of endocrinopathies and characteristics of affected dogs and cats in Southern Brazil (2004-2014)

Background: The increase in the life expectancy of dogs and cats in recent decades has heightened the incidence of aging-associated diseases. Among such diseases, endocrinopathies, such as obesity, stand out. In addition, there exists a lack of professionals with expertise in this area. Therefore, proper knowledge of the characteristics of patients affected by endocrinopathies as well as the frequency of these diseases aid in the recognition of endocrine syndromes in the general population. Thus, the aim of this study was to conduct a retrospective analysis of medical charts of dogs and cats compiled by a Division of Endocrinology in southern Brazil during a 10-year period. Materials, Methods & Results: An epidemiological survey of the medical charts of 1,400 dogs and cats compiled by a Division of Endocrinology between 2004 and 2014 was performed. The diagnostic data based on laboratory and hormone tests and on ultrasound scans were used as gold standard. The data were tabulated using Excel for Windows for the stratified analysis of the diagnoses. The major diseases (93.4% of the cases) detected in dogs were hyperadrenocorticism (37%), diabetes mellitus (22%), hypothyroidism (11%), and overweight/obesity (8%), whereas the main diseases (6.6% of the cases) detected in cats were diabetes mellitus (42%) and hyperthyroidism (23%). Some rare and uncommon diseases were diagnosed [...]

Implicações renais do hipertireoidismo felino ­ revisão / Feline hyperthyroidism and chronic kidney disease - review / Implicaciones renales del hipertiroidismo felino ­ revisión

O hipertireoidismo e a doença renal crônica (DRC) são as enfermidades mais frequentes em felinos idosos. O excesso dos hormônios tireoidianos leva ao aumento da perfusão renal e, consequentemente, da taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG). Em longo prazo, o estado hiperdinâmico induzido pela tireotoxicose culmina em lesão renal progressiva, caracterizada por proteinúria, estresse oxidativo e glomeruloesclerose. Além disso, 40% dos gatos hipertireoideos possuem DRC preexistente, não diagnosticada. Os valores de ureia e creatinina, marcadores rotineiros de função renal, encontram-se dentro do intervalo de referência, devido à alta TFG induzida pelos hormônios tireoidianos. Os gatos hipertireoideos com DRC concomitante constituem, portanto, um desafio diagnóstico. Desta forma, novos estudos sobre as implicações renais do hipertireoidismo felino são necessários.

Hyperthyroidism and chronic kidney disease are the most common diseases in older cats. The excess of thyroid hormones increases renal perfusion and thus the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). In the long term, hyperdynamic state induced by thyrotoxicosis culminates in progressive renal injury, characterized by proteinuria, oxidative stress and glomerulosclerosis. In addition, 40% of hyperthyroid cats have undiagnosed pre-existing chronic kidney disease. The values of urea and creatinine remains within the reference range due to high GFR caused by thyroid hormones. The hyperthyroid cats with underlying chronic kidney disease constitute a diagnostic challenge. Thus, further studies on the renal implications of feline hyperthyroidism are needed.

El hipertiroidismo y la enfermedad renal crónica son las enfermedades más comunes en los gatos ancianos. El exceso de hormonas tiroideas provoca un aumento de la perfusión renal y por lo tanto la tasa de filtración glomerular (TFG). En largo plazo, es estado hiperdinámico inducido por tirotoxicosis culmina en la lesión renal progresiva, caracterizada por proteinuria, estrés oxidativo y la glomeruloesclerosis. Además, 40% de los gatos con hipertiroidismo tienen enfermedad renal crónica preexistente, sin diagnosticar. Los valores de urea y creatinina, marcadores de rutina de la función renal, se encuentran dentro del rango de referencia, debido a la alta TFG inducidas por las hormonas tiroideas. Los gatos hipertiroideos con enfermedad renal crónica subyacente, por lo tanto, constituyen un desafío diagnóstico. Por lo tanto, se necesitan más estudios sobre las repercusiones renales de hipertiroidismo felino.

Avaliações clínico-patológica e imunohistoquímica de lesões cardíacas em gatos (Felis catus) com doença renal crônica

A troponina I (cTnI) é uma proteína expressa unicamente pelas células do miocárdio, e portanto um marcador sensível e específico de lesão cardíaca em humanos, cães, gatos e equinos. A troponina I cardíaca não se expressa no músculo esquelético humano durante o desenvolvimento fetal, após trauma do músculo esquelético ou durante a regeneração desse tipo de músculo. Ao contrário da CK-MB, a troponina I cardíaca é altamente específica para o tecido miocárdico, não é detectável no sangue de pessoas sadias, mostra um aumento proporcionalmente bem maior acima dos valores limite, nos casos de infarto do miocárdio pode permanecer elevada por 7 a 10 dias após o episódio agudo. Para a espécie felina, os valores de referência normais para cTnI sérica variam de 0,03 a 0,16 ng / ml . Sabe-se que o coração e os rins mantêm a homeostase hemodinâmica por meio de uma estreita relação que regula o débito cardíaco, o volume e o tônus vascular. Com base nestas informações, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ocorrência de danos aos cardiomiócitos de felinos com doença renal crônica (DRC) através da dosagem sérica de cTnI e detectar lesões em cardiomiócitos que, por vezes não apresentam sinais morfológicos de agressão, além de demonstrar que as áreas agredidas podem ser maiores que o evidenciado na coloração hematoxilina & eosina (H.E.). Foram utilizados 20 felinos com DRC (12 fêmeas e 8 machos) a partir do estágio II, de acordo com o estadiamento proposto pela IRIS, independente de raça, sexo ou idade. Anterior à utilização destes animais, foi solicitada autorização prévia do tutor para realização de exame clínico seguido de colheita do sangue. Como critério de inclusão, os pacientes deveriam apresentar azotemia (Ref.: 1,6mg/dL). Foram excluídos os animais que apresentavam doença cardíaca primária ou outras condições que pudessem levar ao aumento da cTnI sérica, tais como cardiomiopatia hipertrófica, hipertireoidismo, neoplasia cardíaca primária ou metastática. A avaliação dos níveis séricos de cTnI foi realizada nos 20 gatos; destes, 10 apresentaram valores elevados de troponina sérica acima de 0,16ng/mL. Dos 10 animais que apresentaram os valores de cTnI sérica elevados (Ref.:0,03 0,16ng/mL), dois encontravam-se no estágio II e oito animais no estágio IV da IRIS. Para o exame histológico e imuno-histoquímico, foram coletadas regiões do ápice, septo interventricular, ventrículo esquerdo, ventrículo direito, músculo papilar esquerdo, músculo papilar direito, átrio direito e átrio esquerdo do coração. O exame imuno-histoquímico revelou, em dois animais, marcada perda de troponina em grandes grupos de cardiomiócitos e, em 9 animais houve variação de sutil a leve no padrão de marcação pelo anticorpo antitroponina C com miócitos isolados apresentando perda marcada da imunorreatividade. Em alguns casos havia diversos pequenos grupos de miócitos que tinham marcada diminuição de imunorreatividade principalmente nas regiões do ápice e músculo papilar; essas áreas correspondiam a células com alterações imperceptíveis ou muito discretas no H.E. Os resultados da avaliação imuno-histoquímica confirmaram a presença de alterações regressivas, ou seja, a técnica foi capaz de detectar lesões muito precoces (regiões do miocárdio sem sinais morfológicos de agressão), e demonstrou que as áreas agredidas/lesadas eram maiores que o evidenciado no H.E. O uso de troponinas como importante indicador imunohistoquímico de lesão cardíaca já foi demonstrado caninos, bovinos e ovinos, entretanto não havia estudos em felinos e, no presente estudo, todos os cardiomiócitos com características histológicas de morte celular, não apresentaram marcação anti-troponina, o que demonstra alta sensibilidade do marcador para a espécie. A partir desses dados, observa-se que 80% dos animais que apresentaram elevação nos níveis séricos de cTnI encontravam-se no estágio IV, ou seja, quanto maior o estágio da DRC, maior a probabilidade de apresentar lesão miocárdica. Outro dado observado nos 10 animais que apresentaram valores de cTnI elevados, foi que destes, 4 eram machos e 6 eram fêmeas e, dos dois animais dentro do estágio II, havia um macho e uma fêmea. Já no estágio IV, havia três machos e cinco fêmeas, o que sugere não haver correlação entre o sexo e o grau de lesão miocárdica em felinos com DRC. Este estudo demonstra que a utilização de biomarcadores de lesão miocárdica pode auxiliar os veterinários a aprimorarem o julgamento clínico nas decisões sobre condutas terapêuticas nos pacientes com DRC.

roponin I (cTnI) is a protein expressed solely by myocardial cells, and therefore a sensitive and specific marker of cardiac injury in humans, dogs, cats and horses. Cardiac troponin I is not expressed in human skeletal muscle during fetal development, after trauma of the skeletal muscle, or during regeneration of such muscle. Unlike CK-MB, cardiac troponin I is highly specific for myocardial tissue, is not detectable in the blood of healthy people, shows a proportionally larger increase above threshold values, in cases of myocardial infarction may remain elevated for 7 10 days after the acute episode. For feline species, normal reference values for serum cTnI range from 0.03 to 0.16 ng / ml. The heart and kidneys are known to maintain hemodynamic homeostasis through a close relationship that regulates cardiac output, volume and vascular tone. Based on this information, the aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of damage to feline cardiomyocytes from chronic kidney disease (CKD) by measuring serum cTnI and to detect lesions in cardiomyocytes that sometimes show no morphological signs of aggression, besides demonstrate that the areas affected may be larger than that evidenced by hematoxylin & eosin (HE) staining. Twenty CKD felines (12 females and 8 males) from stage II were used, according to the proposed IRIS staging, regardless of breed, sex or age. Prior to the use of these animals, prior authorization from the guardian was requested for clinical examination followed by blood collection. As inclusion criteria, patients should have azotemia (Ref .: 1.6mg / dL). Animals with primary heart disease or other conditions that could lead to increased serum cTnI, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hyperthyroidism, primary or metastatic cardiac neoplasia, were excluded. Serum cTnI levels were evaluated in 20 cats; Of these, 10 had elevated serum troponin values - above 0.16 ng / mL. Of the 10 animals that had elevated serum cTnI values (Ref.:0.03 - 0.16ng / mL), two were in stage II and eight were in IRIS stage IV. For histological and immunohistochemical examination, regions of the apex, interventricular septum, left ventricle, right ventricle, left papillary muscle, right papillary muscle, right atrium and left atrium of the heart were collected. Immunohistochemical examination revealed marked loss of troponin in large groups of cardiomyocytes in two animals, and in 9 animals there was subtle to slight variation in the pattern of antitroponin C antibody labeling with isolated myocytes showing marked loss of immunoreactivity. In some cases there were several small groups of myocytes that had markedly decreased immunoreactivity mainly in the apex and papillary muscle regions; these areas corresponded to cells with imperceptible or very slight changes in HE. The results of the immunohistochemical evaluation confirmed the presence of regressive changes, ie, the technique was able to detect very early lesions (myocardial regions without morphological signs of aggression), and demonstrated that the areas injured / injured were larger than that evidenced in HE. The use of troponins as an important immunohistochemical indicator of cardiac injury has already been demonstrated in canines, cattle and sheep, however there were no studies in felines and, in the present study, all cardiomyocytes. with histological characteristics of cell death, did not show anti-troponin labeling, which demonstrates high marker sensitivity for the species. From these data, it is observed that 80% of the animals that presented increase in serum cTnI levels were in stage IV, that is, the higher the stage of CKD, the greater the probability of presenting myocardial injury. Another finding observed in the 10 animals with high cTnI values was that of these 4 were male and 6 were female and of the two animals within stage II there was a male and a female. In stage IV, there were three males and five females, suggesting that there is no correlation between sex and the degree of myocardial injury in cats with CKD. This study demonstrates that the use of myocardial injury biomarkers may help veterinarians to improve clinical judgment in decisions about therapeutic management in patients with CKD.

Thyroidectomy with parathyroid implantation: is it an easy technique?

Background: Feline hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disorder in cats. Cats may not reach the diseasecontrol and/or have side effects with medical therapy. Thyroidectomy is a definitive treatment and the only option whenradioactive iodine is not available. Extracapsular thyroidectomy with transplantation of the external parathyroid gland isthe surgical technique that minimizes the risk of postoperative hypocalcemia when it is compared to others. The aim ofthis study is report the difficulty in visualizing parathyroid gland during extracapsular thyroidectomy with transplantationof the external parathyroid gland technique in hyperthyroid cats.Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty hyperthyroid cats were evaluated and submitted to extracapsular thyroidectomywith transplantation of the external parathyroid gland. Blood samples were collected to hematologic, biochemical andhormonal (total thyroxine) analysis. On physical examination, at least one cervical thyroid lobe was palpable. Cats weretreated with methimazole. Thyroidectomy was recommended when adverse effects of medication occurred or medicalhormonal stabilization was not achieved. The excised thyroid and a sample of external parathyroid gland were histologically examined. Thirteen castrated males and seventeen spayed female cats in age ranging from eight to nineteen years(mean age 13.3 years) were indicated to surgery. Twenty three cats were Brazilian domestic short hair, six were Siameseand one was Oriental. Thyroid palpable cervical nodule was unilateral in eight cats and bilateral in twenty two cats. Thereasons for surgery included adverse effects of methimazole (14/30), difficulty in medicating, owners interest in surgicaltreatment (6/30) and inability to stabilize with medical management (10/30). None developed any anesthetic or postoperative complications. The...(AU)

Thyroidectomy with parathyroid implantation: is it an easy technique?

Background: Feline hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disorder in cats. Cats may not reach the diseasecontrol and/or have side effects with medical therapy. Thyroidectomy is a definitive treatment and the only option whenradioactive iodine is not available. Extracapsular thyroidectomy with transplantation of the external parathyroid gland isthe surgical technique that minimizes the risk of postoperative hypocalcemia when it is compared to others. The aim ofthis study is report the difficulty in visualizing parathyroid gland during extracapsular thyroidectomy with transplantationof the external parathyroid gland technique in hyperthyroid cats.Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty hyperthyroid cats were evaluated and submitted to extracapsular thyroidectomywith transplantation of the external parathyroid gland. Blood samples were collected to hematologic, biochemical andhormonal (total thyroxine) analysis. On physical examination, at least one cervical thyroid lobe was palpable. Cats weretreated with methimazole. Thyroidectomy was recommended when adverse effects of medication occurred or medicalhormonal stabilization was not achieved. The excised thyroid and a sample of external parathyroid gland were histologically examined. Thirteen castrated males and seventeen spayed female cats in age ranging from eight to nineteen years(mean age 13.3 years) were indicated to surgery. Twenty three cats were Brazilian domestic short hair, six were Siameseand one was Oriental. Thyroid palpable cervical nodule was unilateral in eight cats and bilateral in twenty two cats. Thereasons for surgery included adverse effects of methimazole (14/30), difficulty in medicating, owners’ interest in surgicaltreatment (6/30) and inability to stabilize with medical management (10/30). None developed any anesthetic or postoperative complications. The...

Creatine kinase serum activity in feline hyperthyroidism / Atividade sérica da creatinina quinase no hipertireoidismo felino

The aim of this study is to determine the occurrence of creatine kinase (CK) serum activity in cats with hyperthyroidism and its associations with clinical-pathological alterations and with total (TT4) and free (FT4) thyroxin. CK serum activity was evaluated in 19 cats with spontaneous hyperthyroidism, with TT4 ranging from 34.88-294.98nmol L-1 and FT4 ranging from 2.83-52.9pmol L-1 and also by serum biochemical analysis, including the activity of CK, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), cholesterol and bile acids. The reference value for CK considered in this study was of 110-250U L-1. CK serum activity was evaluated in 19 cats with spontaneous hyperthyroidism, with TT4 ranging from 34.88-294.98nmol L-1 and FT4 ranging from 2.83-52. 9pmol L-1. Its activity CK was elevated in 47.3% of cats (250U L-1) and presented statistical difference (P 0.05) between cats with or without cardiac disease. CK presented weak association with all parameters in biochemical analysis. In this study, it was not possible to establish a clear association between hyperthyroidism and the increase of CK. However, it is important to highlight the inclusion of CK activity in the routine examinations for the evaluation of hyperthyroidism and for further studies to be developed.(AU)

O hipertireoidismo é uma doença endócrina comum em gatos, resultante da excessiva secreção dos hormônios tireoidianos (tiroxina-T4 e triiodotironina-T3), possui caráter multissistemico e provoca várias alterações nos parametros bioquímicos. A creatina quinase (CK) é uma enzima que tem sua atividade sérica aumentada em diversas enfermidades e, na medicina veterinária, é principalmente utilizada para avaliar lesões no músculo esquelético, músculo cardíaco e tecido hepático. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a ocorrência da atividade sérica da CK em gatos com hipertireoidismo e suas associações com alterações clínico-patológicas e com a tiroxina total (TT4) e livre (FT4). A atividade sérica da CK foi avaliada em 19 gatos com hipertireodismo espontâneo, com TT4 variando de 34,88-294,98nmol L-1 e FT4 variando de 2,83-52,9nmol L-1. Sua atividade estava elevada em 47,3% dos gatos (250U L-1) e apresentou diferença estatística (P 0,05) entre gatos com ou sem doença cardíaca. A CK apresentou associação fraca com os paramêtros bioquímicos avaliados. Neste estudo, não foi possível estabelecer uma associação clara entre o hipertireoidismo e o aumento da CK. Contudo, os resultados encontrados da atividade da CK encorajam a realização de novos estudos, para uma compreensão mais profunda da elevação da CK no hipertireoidismo.(AU)

Ocorrência de hipotireoidismo iatrogênico após terapia com iodo radioativo em gatos hipertireoideos

O hipertireoidismo é a doença endócrina mais comum em gatos de meia-idade, com prevalência de aproximadamente 10% nos animais com mais de 10 anos de idade. O tratamento de escolha para a maioria dos casos é a utilização da radioidina. O hipotireoidismo iatrogênico contribui para indução de azotemia e diminuição da sobrevida. O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a ocorrência de hipotireoidismo um mês após o tratamento com iodo radioativo I131 em gatos hipertireoideos e de comparar os achados laboratoriais de acordo com os desfechos pós tratamento. Foi realizado estudo clínico retrospectivo longitudinal avaliando 85 prontuários de gatos hipertireoideos submetidos à terapia com iodo radioativo (I-131), com avaliação prévia e 30 dias após o tratamento. Os animais foram reclassificados perante o resultado da intervenção terapêutica de acordo com os valores séricos de T4 em hipotireoideo, eutireoideo e hipertireoideo. Dos 85 animais avaliados, 30 se tornaram eutireoideos, 31 hipotireoideos e 14 hipertireoideos. Isto é, cerca de 36% dos animais se tornaram hipotireoideos. Não houve associação entre o desfecho após o tratamento com o sexo (p=0,691), faixa etária (p=0,24), presença de tireoide palpável (p=0,833), peso prévio ao tratamento (p=0,127) e dose mCi/ animal (p=0,753). Porém, foi observada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as médias da razão mCi/Kg entre eutireoideos e hipertireoideos, onde a média da razão mCi/Kg dos animais hipertireoideos foi significativamente maior do que a média dos eutireoideos. A média de creatinina antes do tratamento foi de 1,10 mg/dL e estatisticamente inferior à média após o mesmo (p<0,001). As mensurações realizadas previamente ao tratamento demonstraram creatinina inferior a 1,6 mg/dL em 82,4% dos animais, dado que alterou significativamente após a terapia em quase metade dos animais. O resultado do estudo indica que a ocorrência do hipotireoidismo iatrogênico após a terapia com iodo radioativo no Brasil é superior a ocorrência mundial, geralmente inferior a 10%.

Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disorder in middle-aged cats. Its prevalence is up to 10% of cats older than 10 years. Radioidine is the treatment of choice for the disease. Iatrogenic hypothyroidism appears to contribute to the development of azotemia and reduced survival time in azotemic cats. The present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of hypothyroidism one month after the treatment with radioactive iodine in hyperthyroid cats and to compare the laboratory findings according to posttreatment outcomes. A retrospective, longitudinal study was carried out, evaluating 85 charts of hyperthyroid cats submitted to radioactive iodine therapy (I-131), with a previous evaluation and 30 days after treatment. The animals were reclassified to the result of the therapeutic intervention according to the serum values of T4 in hypothyroid, euthyroid and hyperthyroid. Among the 85 animals, 30 became euthyroid, 31 hypothyroid and 14 hyperthyroid. About 36% of the animals became hypothyroid. There was no association between outcome after treatment with sex (p = 0.691), age range (p = 0.24), palpable thyroid (p = 0.833), weight prior to treatment (p = 0.127) and mCi / animal (p = 0.753). However, a statistically significant difference was observed between the mean mCi/ Kg ratio of euthyroid and hyperthyroid. The mean mCi/ kg of hyperthyroid animals was significantly higher than the average of the euthyroid. The pre-treatment mean creatinine was 1.10 mg/ dL and statistically below the mean post-treatment (p <0.001), pre-treatment measurements showed creatinine below 1.6 mg/ dL in 82.4% of the animals, since it changed significantly after the therapy in almost half of the animals. The result of the study indicates that the occurrence of iatrogenic hypothyroidism after radioiodine therapy in Brazil is higher than the world wide ocurrence, generally less than 10%.

AVALIAÇÃO DA FUNÇÃO COGNITIVA E PROGRESSÃO DE ALTERAÇÕES COMPORTAMENTAIS EM GATOS DOMÉSTICOS IDOSOS E GERIÁTRICOS

O avanço da medicina veterinária preventiva e melhorias na área de nutrição animal possibilitaram aos animais de estimação uma melhor qualidade de vida, levando-os a alcançar uma maior longevidade. Com isso, foi possível o diagnóstico de doenças que só se desenvolvem com idade avançada, típicas de animais idosos. Uma delas é a Síndrome da Disfunção Cognitiva (SDC), que é uma afecção neurodegenerativa progressiva caracterizada por mudanças comportamentais e perda de funções cognitivas que não podem ser atribuídas completamente a condições médicas. Essa doença acomete cães e gatos idosos podendo ser comparada com a doença de Alzheimer (DA) nos humanos. Algumas alterações comuns na SDC são desorientação, alterações na interação com membros da família e/ou animais, alterações do ciclo sono-vigília, diminuição nos níveis de atividade e, no caso dos felinos, eliminação fora da caixa de areia e a vocalização noturna excessiva. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar a frequência da disfunção cognitiva e da progressão das alterações comportamentais, assim como, a percepção dos responsáveis em relação a essas alterações em gatos domésticos com idade igual ou superior a 11 anos. Os animais foram avaliados clinicamente e os responsáveis responderam a um questionário, em dois momentos, com intervalo de seis meses para avaliação do comportamento. Não se observou alterações de comportamento na maioria dos gatos, tanto no momento da inclusão quanto na reavaliação após seis meses. Dentre os gatos geriátricos, observou-se um aumento na demonstração de sinais de agressividade, episódios de ficar com olhar perdido e vocalização excessiva. Apenas quatro gatos geriátricos (8%; 4/50) obtiveram pontuação compatível com SDC no momento da inclusão. A progressão das alterações comportamentais pode ser avaliada em 60% dos gatos e algumas delas sugeriram afecções clínicas não diagnosticadas, como hipertiroidismo ou doença articular degenerativa. Um melhor entendimento das alterações cognitivas em gatos idosos ou geriátricos e uma maior percepção dos responsáveis diante de mudanças sutil ou iniciais permitirá uma intervenção em estágios mais precoces da doença.

The advance of preventive veterinary medicine and improvements in animal nutrition made it possible for pets a better quality of life, leading them to achieve greater longevity. This made it possible to diagnose diseases that develop only at na advanced age, typical of elderly animals. One of these is Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome which is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by behavioral changes and loss of cognitive functions that cannot be completely attributed to medical conditions. This disease affects older dogs and cats and can be compared with Alzheimer´s Disease in humans. Some common changes in Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome are disorientation, changes in interaction with family members and/or animals, sleep wake cycle changes, decreased activity levels, elimination outside the litter box and, in felines, the main sign observed is excessive vocalization at night. The objective of this study was to estimate the frequency of cognitive dysfunction and progression of behavioral changes, as well as, owner´s perceptions of these changes in domestic cats with 11 year and older. The animals were clinically evaluated and the owners answered a questionnaire in two moments, with na intervalo of six months to evaluate the behavior. No behavioral changes were observed in most cats at both inclusion and re-evaluation after six months. Among the geriatric cats, there was an increase in the signs of aggression, episodes of staring and excessive vocalization. Only four geriatric cats (8%; 4/50) obtained a score compatible with Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome at the time of inclusion. The progression of behavioral changes can be assessed in 60% of cats and some of them suggested undiagnosed clinical conditions such as hyperthyroidism or degenerative joint disease. A better understanding of cognitive changes in elderly or geriatric cats and a greater awareness of those responsible for subtle or early changes will allow intervention at earlier stages